Ermanaric

Ermanaric (died 376), was a king of the Gothic Greuthungi at the eve of the Migration Period.

Historical accounts

Ermanaric is mentioned in two Roman sources; the contemporary writings of Ammianus Marcellinus and in Getica by the 6th century historian Jordanes.

According to Ammianus, Ermanaric is "a most warlike king" who eventually commits suicide, facing the aggression of the Alani and of the Huns, who invaded his territories in the 370s. All that Ammianus says about the extent of Ermanric's domain is that his lands were rich and wide.

The orange area signifies the Chernyakhov Culture, identified with Ermanaric's kingdom, in the early 4th century.

According to Jordanes' Getica, Ermanaric ruled of the realm of Oium. Jordanes also states that the king put to death a young woman named Sunilda with the use of horses, because of her infidelity. Thereupon her two brothers, Sarus and Ammius, severely wounded Ermanaric leaving him unfit to defend his kingdom from Hunnic incursions. Variations of this legend had a profound effect on medieval Germanic literature, including that of England and Scandinavia (see Jonakr's sons). Jordanes claims that he successfully ruled the Goths until his death at the age of 110.

Tales

In many Germanic tales, Ermanaric is ill-advised by Bicke, Bikka or Sifka, who wants revenge for the rape of his wife by Ermanaric. Also in some tales of Dietrich of Bern, Ermanaric is Dietrich's uncle who stole the kingdom. This adviser advised Ermanaric to kill those closest to him.

Ermanaric's names

Ermanaric's name in his native Gothic was probably Aírmanareiks. However, because he is referred to in literature throughout the Germanic world right up until the 13th century his name takes many forms:

Latin names:

• in Jordanes' Getica he is Ermanaricus.

Germanic names:

• in the Old English epic Beowulf he is Eormenric,
• in Old Norse he is Jörmunrekkr,
• in Middle High German Ermenrich.

He is also called Hermanaric, Erminrich, Emmerich, Ermanrik and many other names.

Since the name Heiðrekr was rather synonymous with Ermanaric, he is possibly identical to Heiðrekr Ulfhamr of the Hervarar saga, who was said to have ruled the Goths for a long time.

Descendants

Solovjovs, Barons of Russian Empire from 1727 (in German speaking sources known as von Solowhoff or Solowhoff von Greutungen)claimed Ermanaric was their ancestor

References

• Auerbach, Loren and Simpson, Jacqueline. Sagas of The Norsemen: Viking and German Myth. TIME-LIFE books.